News Update

Another week has passed on the shore of Lake Superior in my hometown. We got back here Sunday evening after a good trip with the truck. It was good to see that the pesticide seems to have overcome the worm infestation, and my rhubarb is thriving once again. Otherwise, I haven't planned much of a garden, but did manage a harvest of beans for my early birthday supper last evening. The markets had a mixed week, but mostly upward and we were blessed with some nice gains. The Riders battled Hamilton for a second time this season and just like last week they managed to build up a big lead (19 points) in the fourth quarter, but could not hold it. As a result they were unable to move into first place on their own. Tomorrow we plan to head westward once again as we are returning to Regina and possibly doing further travelling from there. The car problems persist—it has a parasitic draw that drains the battery when it isn't being used. Repair of that will have to wait until we get to Regina. 

Erica has begun work in Parksville. Eric continues with his application for his counselling practicum. Haaken and Liam are spending their summer and getting ready for the move to the Island. 

Erin and Kristian are settling into life in Regina. Kristian enjoyed VBS this week. Work begins for Erin next week, and thus the reason for us to be there to take care of Kristian. 

Trav is setting up office for his work here in Thunder Bay; progress continues on that front. Joanna, Gemma and Andrew were over for supper last evening to help me begin birthday celebrations—at this age it even takes longer just to have a birthday! 

And that's the kind of week it has been! 

News Update

Another week has passed and we have turned our wheels eastward. We have driven as far as Kenora today, on our way to Lake Superior and my hometown. I was supposed to be golfing this weekend in Bismarck, but the passports got left at home, so I couldn't cross the line. On the positive side, I did get to avoid golfing/surviving in 37 degree heat! The markets have continued their troubled ways that don't always make sense to me, but I did manage to have a good week all the same (Even the blind pig finds the odd turnip!). I got a pair of new tires on the Mazda, so it's on new feet all around now. Wendy has been busy helping Erin get additional furniture, curtains and decorations for her new place. We have enjoyed spending some of the time over at Dad's place where he continues to rehab both at home and at Wascana. We had a birthday celebrations for Alicia and Dave to highlight a couple of evenings. The Riders gave away a game to Calgary after leading by about three touchdowns; that was sad to watch! 

Eric/A continue to develop their plans to move to Parksville. Erica flew out today to start her new position on Monday. Eric, the boys, and the UHaul should be joining her in August. Then Eric will need to return for his practicum in The Pas which will run most of the school year. Such a solution could only be concocted by God (or a Bailey). Hopefully they will also soon have news of the sale or rental of their house. 

Erin, Kristian and Sadie are pretty much settled into their place in Regina. Curtains and blinds have been purchased and installed. Furniture has been bought, assembled and moved around to establish their living spaces. 

Trav has been taking care of things at home. He has had vehicle problems with the car, so we'll have to look into that when we get home. Otherwise work has continued, and we haven't heard too much. 

And that's about it for this week. 

News Update

Another week has passed and we have driven away from the shore of Lake Superior and my hometown. On Monday we hooked up the Mazda to a UHaul trailer and packed up the rest of Erin's stuff. We drove up to Kenora, on Tuesday, and overnighted with Eric/A and the boys. We picked up a bunk bed frame for Kristian and had to repack a lot of the load to get it into the trailer. We completed the trip to Regina on Wednesday and, thanks to many helpers, got Erin's stuff carted up to her third-floor apartment. It's a hot and sweaty country out here this year. We spent the next days assembling furniture and helping Erin set up her apartment. Friday was a special—our kids gave us tickets to see Neil Diamond in concert in Saskatoon. We drove up there and enjoyed a fun evening with thousands of close friends! Travis is taking care of things at home. We're feeling more than a little exhausted and looking forward to a few slow days. I haven't paid enough attention to the markets this week, but was blessed to see an upturn the last couple of days to make some gains. Bern, Alicia & Logan are home from Mexico, so we are enjoying catching up with them. Dave and Dad are doing well. Dad is keeping up with physio sessions and daily exercise and is getting around pretty well. The Riders defeated the Eskimos last Sunday and, this afternoon, edged out the Lions in an early season battle for first place. 

Eric/A and the boys continue to play the waiting game on their house sale. Eric has received a favourable proposal on his practicum, so that's looking much better. 

It was good to catch up with Erin and Kristian in Regina. He is loving his new place and his own room. He took easily to the bunk bed once we got that set up. Sadie travelled with us and has also settled into her new home. 

Trav got good news with the establishment of his office area with Qwantech this week. He is going to publish the next Ulrich Design newsletter sometime next week. He would be glad to have you subscribe: http://ulrichdesign.ca/subscribe. Joanna is enjoying her new patio furniture and barbecue. 

And that's about it for this week. 

News Update

Another week has passed on the shore of Lake Superior in my hometown. The weather has been hot and sunny interspersed by the inevitable thunderstorms that such heat produces. It's been a busy week as Erin and Kristian got packed up and headed west. We've also tried to help out a little in cleaning out the church building in preparation for its sale. I've tried to keep on top of the markets; the first three days were great, but then we had two days of selling that took away some of the gains. The Riders don't play until tomorrow, so they remain undefeated! The worms are winning the battle of the garden; my rhubarb leaves look like lattice, and the peas are stripped of new leaves as quickly as they are produced. They're even eating some of the weeds! Wendy and I celebrated our anniversary enjoying many greetings; we went out for ice cream at Cold Stone Creamery to cap it off. 

Eric/A and the boys are in a quandary. The house in Kenora has not sold, and they've determined that they cannot afford to have two residences, so the whole move to Parksville is up in the air. We pray for clear decision-making and peace in the result. 

Mark has been here all week helping Erin get packed up. We've enjoyed having him here. Mark, Kristian and I got out golfing one evening. They left on Friday morning; the house, and my heart, are very empty. We've had Erin and Kristian living with us for the last seven years; it's been wonderful, but now they've moved on. We look forward to what their new adventures may be, but for now we also grieve as we miss them. 

Trav continues to do well in his work. He picked up some new equipment lately including another tablet and, this week, a new computer. He has been hearing again of the plans for his office and it sounds like an upgrade, but nothing has actually been put in place yet. Joanna is learning and applying many new skills in her lab work. She's enjoying that. This weekend her dad is visiting, so Gemma and Andrew get to enjoy having their grandfather around. 

And that's about it for this week. 

News Update

The weather has been beautiful this week—getting to be too hot for me as we've been around 30 each day. It has been an eventful week as school closed for the summer, and my bus driving ended. I got out for my first golf game of the season on Wednesday; it was satisfactory (45-47-92) and my back seemed to handle it well. I had a wedding to officiate over yesterday—Best wishes to Ross & Laurie! And Wendy finally returned home last night—well, early this morning, 12:43 to be precise. So, she's busy catching up on all the things we've been neglecting! The markets have continued their troubled ways, but positive news from Europe turned up the heat on Friday and made my week and my month! Dad is making good progress with regular physio as an out-patient, and big efforts to keep up with his mobility around the house and neighbourhood. Bern, Alicia and Logan have arrived home from Mexico, so Wendy was able to come home to us. Now she'll be busy helping Erin get packed up for the move to Regina. The football season started last evening, and our Riders surprised Hamilton with a comprehensive thrashing—it was a bit of a surprise to most Rider fans as well! 

Eric/A and the boys spent most of the week in Parksville looking for accommodations, and visiting prospective schools for Haaken and Liam. They've had a few good bites on their house, and hope one gets properly hooked and landed soon! They have two more weeks in Kenora before the big move west. 

Kristian has thrived with all the special events and class outings that are featured as school ends. Erin has also completed her term of work here, but, knowing better what leaving means, her departure has been more emotional and teary. Mark is on his way here to help her with the move west. 

Trav has been doing well with his contracts and work. He continues to get new equipment and software to play with, and I enjoy learning about it as well. Gemma and Andrew have completed the school year and look forward to summer activities. Joanna has taken a term promotion to lab work and more regular hours and is glad of that. 

And that's about it for this week. 

News Update

We've had a rainy week on the shore of Lake Superior in my hometown. Flood fears were reawakened, as we watched the destruction in our neighbouring city of Duluth. Fortunately, although there were some new road washouts, this set of storms did not dump as much rain as the last set. It did affect my driving schedule as several events were rescheduled or even cancelled and my charters were similarly hit. The markets continued to be troubled and were down again this week, but I managed to have a good week and recovered some value. I remain with only a minority buy-in while I wait for some consistent direction. The rains also slowed down progress with golf, as courses were closed, and even practice ranges shut down. I finally got out today, but thunder storms developed and scared me away! Who knows? Perhaps static-electricity therapy would be good for my back! Wendy continues to be in Regina where she is helping out at home. Renovations continue there; she's been in the painting mode this week. 

Eric/A and the boys continue to wind down operations in Kenora. The boys are having farewell parties with their friends. Colleagues have been arranging farewell events for Eric/A as well. The highlight so far was a surprise at Erica's work where they set up an event for Erica to sing some of her own songs with a local band, Big Boogaloo—a bucket list experience for her! The house is still available...

Erin and Kristian are winding down as well. There are many special events at school this time of year, and regular learning activities seem to have pretty much ended. This afternoon, they're off to a birthday party. Kristian cannot relate to the idea that soon all these friends will be left behind. I can relate to the notion that soon I will be left behind; that will be a tough pill to swallow. 

Trav and Joanna are struggling along. It was Joanna's birthday this week, and we enjoyed being able to acknowledge that. Gemma and Andrew are completing their school year; it's been a good year. Gemma is graduating and moving on to a new school. 

And that's about it for this week. 

News Update

Another week has passed on the shore of Lake Superior in my hometown. The weather has been lovely, and I have enjoyed the backyard and the golf practice area. The markets have continued to be troubled with political/economic activity in Europe, and I am continuing to hold on with less than 40% invested. Greek elections are this weekend, and we hope the situation will have greater clarity after that. I was back to the chiropractor this week; she noted no problems with my tentative beginnings to golf and has cleared me to step it up a bit. I have continued to practice more frequently, and I hope to play a game soon. Wendy is in Regina; things are going fine there. Ellis is continuing to build strength and balance. Wendy has been doing some painting in the renovated downstairs. They are looking toward carpet and lino installation there soon. The NHL season ended this week and the Kings were crowned despite my choosing them! The NBA season is down the final pairing; I have picked the Heat. I had some issues with my yahoo account this week. I got hacked, and everyone in my address book got spammed. I think I finally got it stopped, but not before many of you got some interesting email advertisements! However, it did prompt several to write to me, so that was the good part. 

Eric/A continue to wait for someone to buy their house in Kenora. This will provide greater clarity for them as they prepare to move to BC. 

Erin got good news on several fronts as she landed a job and an apartment in Regina. Kristian got his new Ironman-themed ear moulds. His failed hearing aid has not been returned, so he still has a loaner. He is completing his school year well. Mark has beaten me several times recently in Scrabble; I'm afraid he is no longer taking it easy on me! 

Trav is extra busy this week. He ordered one of the new MacBook Pros, so we're all looking forward to seeing the new retina-display. I am driving the truck now; I hope I have the coolant leak found and fixed. Joanna is busy as well. She was here to draw a blood sample for my PSA test on Friday. 

And that's the kind of week it has been. 

News Update

Another fine week has passed on the shore of Lake Superior in my hometown. The weather has been beautiful, and I've been busy trying to keep up with the fast growing lawns and weeds! The markets have continued to be troubled by economic concerns focused on Europe and China, however, I managed to have a good week. I have worked out at the golf course a couple of times, and my back feels tender afterwards, but I feel I am getting better. My seasonal coughing seems to be ending as well. Wendy left on Wednesday morning to spend the rest of the month in Regina with her dad. He is continuing to progress in rehab, and we're glad to see that. Our summer plans calls for us to be away a fair bit, so I've cut back on the garden. It will leave less for someone else to have to take care of. The Stanley Cup final continues with Los Angeles leading 3-2 and heading home for game six. 

Eric/A continue to wait for someone to buy their place in Kenora. Haaken won a drama award—congratulations! 

Erin & Kristian had an eventful week. Kristian developed a swollen lymph node on Sunday, and after a trip to emergency has been on anti-biotics all week. The situation has improved a great deal, but he remains on medication for another week. One of his hearing aids has failed, so it's in for repairs. He also has new ear moulds on the way—yellow and red this time! Erin is training her replacement as she is completing her last month of work here. 

Trav & Joanna are doing fine. Trav had a few days down with illness, but is doing well again. Truck troubles continue, so I've traded him the car for the truck and I'll try to get it running well again. Gemma and Andrew are finishing the year of schooling while demonstrating good progress. 

And that's about it for this week. 

News Update

The violent weather spawned by the warm systems has passed, leaving considerable damage in its wake. There was a lot of flooding and house damage caused here in TBay, and some homes remain without power, water or sewage a week later; well, actually some homes remain with sewage—a basement full of sewage! At least one sewage treatment plant failed, and as the backup hit homes some had to break open basement windows to let it out. There was also lots of rain water infiltration into basements so we see many homes even in our area have furniture, ruined wall sheathing, etc on the front lawn waiting for insurance adjusters to take note so it can be disposed of—what a mess! We were blessed to avoid that, although our church building did get a bit of seepage into the basement. We're back in warm weather once again, and the daytime heating brings on the occasional thunderstorm. The markets have continued their dismal way. The TSX was down 6% in May, and I lost 1.6% despite moving most of my accounts to cash. Since that's about how much I need to gain each month, it has left me with homework! The Stanley Cup finals have begun and my choice, the Kings, are doing well so far as they're up 2-0. Wendy keeps busy with church books, house sale in Kenora, packing up Erin & Kristian's stuff, purchasing a vehicle for us, and preparing for her return to Regina. I have continued with bus driving, and I've been working on my golf swing a bit more aggressively; it's showing signs of progress. Perhaps I'll get out for a game next week. 

Eric/A and the boys are waiting for someone to buy their house in Kenora, so they can continue to develop plans and schedule for the move to Parksville. 

Erin has been working the phone lines and internet for connections into Regina. She's hoping for word today on her application for an apartment in Regina. She's had good feedback from the Regina school where she hopes to enrol Kristian. He continues his usual busy school life, and social connections. He was off to a birthday party this morning. His new tooth is coming in well, and a second one is loose. Mark continues to encourage me by letting me win at Scrabble on line. Erin and Kristian both have been practicing golf with me. 

Trav, Joanna and crew enjoyed a weekend in Duluth last weekend. I continue to have concerns on the truck as I had to top up the coolant again. Otherwise, work and life seems to continue as per usual for them. The new green Hyundai is performing well at least. 

And that's about it for this week. 

News Update

Another fine week has passed on the shore of Lake Superior in my hometown. The warm weather systems have brought violent storms from time to time. We are experiencing lightning strikes causing property damage and forest fires. We are seeing heavy rains causing road washouts and flooding. This has been a particular concern for the bus drivers with rural routes who have found themselves unable to reach their riders. European economic concerns with special focus on Greece and Spain have continued to trouble the markets, but we finally made a little progress over the course of this week. I remain invested less than 20% so as to minimize potential losses (It does the same for potential gains!). The NHL has finally reached the finals, and LA (despite my picking them) will play against New Jersey for the cup. I'm picking LA—can they withstand two such burdens? The lawns are looking up, and the planted part of my garden is up. I continue fighting the plague of dandelions that proliferate in the neighbourhood. Wendy's dad has completed his stay in rehab, and is now at home, while continuing to use rehab facilities on an out-patient basis. We are much encouraged by his progress, and by the potential for even greater mobility as he continues to work on strength and conditioning. Since I've been cleared by the chiropractor, I have finally begun some golf activities. I seem to be playing better than ever—not! 

Wendy has continued with downsizing—removing some of what we have collected over the years, and rearranging the rest! We try to stay out of the way, and to assist when we're allowed to. She has also been dealing with church issues in her role as book keeper, and catching up on medical appointments as she anticipates returning to Regina in early June. 

We enjoyed having Eric/A and the boys down for the long weekend. Now they continue the process of closing down affairs in Kenora and preparing for the move to Parksville. We hope they will find a buyer for their home, soon, and be able to move forward with their plans. 

Erin and Kristian are also beginning the process of closure here as they look forward to moving to Regina this summer. There are an almost overwhelming number of details that must be considered. Erin had a phone chat with a speech specialist in Regina this week. 

Travis and Joanna continue to do well. This weekend they have taken the children to a family waterpark in Duluth for a brief family vacation. We are dog-sitting the Mini monster. 

And that's about it for this week. 

News Update

Another beautiful week on the shore of Lake Superior in my hometown. I am suffering with my usual Spring hay fever, so I have not been able to enjoy the lovely weather so much. My back is coming around, so as soon as my head clears I feel ready to get onto the golf course again. Bus driving has continued routinely. I am gradually learning the names of my riders... especially a few of the noisier ones! The markets have continued to move downward on fears about Greece and the entire European economy, actually. JPMorgan have now moved their estimates for losses over the last six weeks to 5 billion, so I remain well ahead of their pace! Does any one think we might need some more regulations on those guys! Not to worry, they're a bank, so it's all ensured by um, ah, guys like me!! The NHL playoffs continue with LA taking a big lead in their series and looking like the team to beat—there, I said it, let the LA collapse begin! We're enjoying having the whole family in TBay for this long weekend. 

Eric/A and crew are here this long weekend. The big event was Liam's baptism this evening. We celebrated along with family and friends. Their house is now listed and has received some consideration. We hope it moves quickly. 

Erin is enjoying the recent play from her Jays as they've taken four straight from New York. She hopes they don't revert to some of their earlier foibles. Kristian is really enjoying the weekend with his cousins. 

Trav & Joanna are doing well. Trav got a new bicycle, although the truck seems to be performing fine once again! Now we need to get his speedometer moved from his old bike to the new one. 

And that's about it for this week. 

News Update

Another week has passed on the shore of Lake Superior in my hometown. The weather is beautiful and I'm enjoying getting out in the yard and garden. I am currently fighting a crop of dandelions in the area where I plan to seed some additional lawn. The garden is ready to go; Kristian helped get the peas and beans seeded this afternoon. Wendy has been up in Kenora all week helping getting the house and yard ready for sale. She came back Friday night; I drove half way and met Erica who was bringing her that far. The markets have remained troubled and down. JPMorgan lost two billion in the last six weeks, so at least I can say I'm two billion ahead of them! Bus driving has continued to go well. My back remains tender, and I haven't been able to golf yet, but, while therapy continues, I am able to practice a little. The NHL has finally reduced its contenders to the final four, and I have to admit that I only picked one of the group. However, now that both Boston and Philadelphia are eliminated, I don't mind who wins it, and all of the teams are saying, "Don't pick me!" 

Eric/A and the boys were busy with grandma all week repairing and repainting, going through stuff, throwing away surplus, and packing for the move to BC. 

Erin and Kristian had an eventful week as well. Kristian lost his first tooth, and was impressed by the service from the tooth fairy! He also got a hand-me-down bicycle from Liam, so we are looking forward to him learning to ride that. 

Trav had some excitement with the truck overheating. Once we replenished the coolant, it seems to be running fine. There seems to be an issue of those Mazda 4L engines losing coolant, so we'll have to watch that. Otherwise things are progressing as per usual with work for Trav & Joanna, and school for Gemma and Andrew. 

And that's about it for this week. 

News Update

We've had a rainy week on the shore of Lake Superior in my town. This weekend, we've escaped (in a 2011 Ford Escape) to Kenora to try out the vehicle and help with some reno projects at Eric/A's. We got quite a bit done, but more remains to be done so Wendy will remain while I drive home tomorrow. The markets have fallen upon hard times once again, and I've sold out of some of my holdings to limit my losses—still it was a down week for me. Bus driving has been going fine and I have learned my routes, and the names of all the over-active children! I got out for some golf this week, but my back did not enjoy it! 

Eric/A are readying their house and yard for sale. The realtor was around today to look things over and to give them some suggestions. The boys are trying to determine what to keep, and there doesn't seem much they are willing to throw away! 

Erin and Kristian are holding down the fort back in Tbay. Kristian is reaching milestones as he now has a loose tooth, and claims he is a big boy because he can use the bathroom standing up without spilling! Erin scored some nice flowers this week—Mark is making the rest of us look bad. 

Trav keeps busy developing and completing his projects. Joanna is having work issues trying to ensure she gets enough hours; she's even considering that she should upgrade her qualifications to improve her career. That would take about a year and a half. Gemma and Andrew are doing well at school, and occasionally stop by the school bus to say, "Hi."

And that's about it for this week.

News Update

Another week has passed on the shore of Lake Superior in my hometown. The weather has been nice, but not warm enough to really get things going. I've been driving bus all week, riding my bike back and forth, and even picked up a couple of charters. The markets have been better and I've made some good gains. I've been working on a new lawn area in the backyard and have that ready for seeding. Wendy has kept busy with more Spring cleaning. The first round of the NHL playoffs is complete and the teams I picked for the final have both been eliminated. I've had calls from three teams asking me to please not pick them!

Eric/A have made a big decision to move to Vancouver Island. Erica has taken a job in Parksville, so they'll be extra busy in the next while. 

Erin and Kristian have been enjoying getting out in the nice weather. Kristian was pounding golf balls off the back fence today, and working the trampoline as well. He also keeps us entertained with his witty remarks and new phraseology as his language continues to develop.

Trav, Joanna, Gemma and Andrew joined us for supper at Wendy's last evening (Of course, I dine at Wendy's all the time!) They're keeping busy, but Joanna is having some issues getting enough hours at work. I had a special treat on Wednesday when my charter was the wrestling team from St. James School including Andrew, and Joanna was the parent volunteer.

And that's about it for this week.

News Update

Another week has passed on the shore of Lake Superior in my hometown. The week started off with miserable weather, but it turned nice in the last part of the week. I managed to get more spring preparations done and the garden boxes are ready to go. I am still working on the lawn extension, and hope to get it seeded next weekend. The markets have continued their troubled ways and I keep adjusting to try to find ways to make further gains. Wendy went up to Kenora on Wednesday to take care of the boys. She ran into snow and slush along the way, so it was a difficult trip. Then she had car troubles as the front wheel was making noises it shouldn't be, so she had to get the bearing changed in Kenora. She plans to drive back here tomorrow. The NHL playoffs continue and the first round series are ending. My favourites are both on the brink of elimination—we don't give up yet! The bus driving is going well, and I know my routes pretty well now. My back continues to improve; my golf swing does not seem to irritate it. I am looking forward to practising and possibly playing this coming week. Wendy's Dad has continued his progress in rehab. He now has his new shoes, although some tweaking remains to be done, and is getting used to walking in them. 

Eric/A travelled to Vancouver Island this week, and Wendy was in Kenora to take care of things. Wendy took advantage of the time to refinish the wood dining room floor. Eric/A are expected back tonight. 

Erin and Kristian have maintained their usual schedule of activities. Friday was a PD Day so Kristian enjoyed the day off. On Thursday, Erin met with the school personnel to consider placement for next year. Kristian is progressing to their satisfaction, so no particular changes are being recommended. 

Trav, Joanna and crew hosted us for Gemma's birthday on Sunday; that was a nice time. Trav's Penguins are fighting back from the brink, and he's almost daring to be hopeful again. Joanna scored a new car—a bright green Hyundai! Wendy has been searching online and in person since she got the news! 

And that's about it for this week. 

News Update

We've enjoyed a busy week on the shore of Lake Superior in my hometown. The week began on Easter Sunday with Canada winning the Curling Championship in an extra end over Scotland. Once again, they probably should not have won, but as it turned out the only team to defeat them all week was the powerhouse Kiwis who presumably make their rocks turn the opposite direction! The markets continued their problematic path, and the TSX is now down for the year. It's been a struggle, and I feel blessed to have some good gain to this point, however, I fell back a bit this week. As expected now that we're settled for a bit, I've been given a steady bus route, so I'll be driving that for the final months of the school year. My back continues to improve, and I've been able to begin work on the lawn extension in the back yard. The rhubarb is up, and I'm also getting the gardening boxes ready to go. The golf courses are open, but my back hasn't felt good enough to give it a try, although I have made a few swings! Wendy has begun spring cleaning or a reasonable facsimile thereof—we try to stay out of the way! I'd like to move forward with renovations upstairs but we have a massive piano standing in the way of that! I've been monitoring the NHL playoffs but it has not been progressing to my expectations as some of my most confident picks have fallen behind. Women's World Hockey Championships concluded today with Canada playing US in the final and winning it 5-4 in overtime.

Eric/A are busy with renewal issues that come not just with Spring. Liam keeps busy imagining and developing construction projects. Haaken keeps busy with creative pursuits in graphic novels, drama and art. Eric is a Canucks fan, so he has not had a good week with them.

Erin is busy with her work. Kristian is busy with school. His aide recently took maternity leave, and yesterday Kristian informed us she had a new baby girl. Mark continues to let me win in Scrabble, and his Canucks continue to let the Kings win in Hockey!

Trav is in despair (or a village nearby) as his Penguins are faltering in the playoffs. Joanna is busy with the celebration of Gemma's 12th birthday. Otherwise the whole bunch keeps busy with school and work.

And that's about it for this week.

News Update

Snow was threatening the shores of Lake Wascana, so we took the hint and headed east. We drove down to Kenora on Good Friday, and plan to complete the trip to TBay tomorrow. The weather has been lovely in Regina and we have enjoyed that very much. My back has continued to recover and I got another treatment this week. We are enjoying a nice day and good weather here on the Winnipeg River. The markets have suffered another down week, and I even resorted to buying shorts to salvage some gains out of the situation. The men have been competing the World Championship of curling in Basel, Switzerland, and our representatives have been doing well. They are in the championship game tomorrow against Scotland. 

68 Basketball Champs

My Jayhawks put up a nobel fight on Monday, but could not overcome UK in the basketball final. Wendy has kept busy, and kept all of us up to date on Ellis's progress in rehab. He has been gaining strength and walking more. He's been fitted for a new elevated shoe and we look forward to even more progress once that is built and delivered. Last weekend was the Homecoming at Western and we enjoyed meeting many friends—some of whom were surprisingly old! I also scored a memento of my time there years ago when we won the very first provincial championship for the school—thank you, Marilyn. 

Eric and the boys are hosting us this weekend. Erica is away for the long weekend with her long time friends from TBay. Liam has changed his mind and now may be building a tree house! Haaken is making good progress at school. Eric is rejoicing because his lousy Canucks that everyone loves to put down, managed to sneak out the Presidents Trophy for best regular season team in hockey for the second year running. 

Erin and Kristian have been taking care of the house. They have things pretty well cleaned up in anticipation of our return. It's the opening of the baseball season and both of them enjoy seeing the Blue Jays start off with two wins. 

Trav continues to work and develop his business. It seems to be going well, and he has a nice home office to use. Joanna keeps busy with her blood-letting! Andrew had a wrestling tournament last weekend and gave evidence of being a talented grappler, an excellent sport, and a fine young man. 

The regular season ended this evening and 16 NHL teams now move on to the Stanley Cup playoffs. Some teams have made a habit of appearing in these playoffs, while others, sadly, have not! 

And that's about it for this week. 

News Update

This week has been passed on the sunny shore of Lake Wascana, far from my hometown. The weather has been very nice, even hitting into the twenties yesterday, and I'm glad for that. I have continued to struggle with my aching back. Fortunately, I was able to find a good chiropractor, so I got a treatment on Thursday, but more recovery remains to be completed. It's too bad, as it's golfing weather, and I have my clubs along... The markets have completed a difficult month for me and I have made only sporadic progress interrupted by days of decline. The Canadian Women won the bronze medal in curling, and now the Canadian Men have begun their tournament in Switzerland. The final four in basketball runs over this weekend, and it's homecoming at Western; just too much going on! Dad has continued to make progress, and after his consultation with his doctor on Friday, we are hoping this will bring an uptick in his therapy. Wendy keeps busy caring for all of us. Rich and Dave are pushing forward with basement renovations. 

Eric/A and the boys continue with life in Kenora. Liam has been busy developing library shelving. Eric/A try to keep up! 

Erin and Kristian are holding down the fort at home. Kristian bumped heads with another child at day care producing a nosebleed and some bruising. 

Trav's team lost out in the playoffs, but certainly had a fine season winning the league, as well as a tournament in Minnesota. His Penguins are getting ready for the NHL playoffs with Captain Crosby back and playing well. Joanna keeps busy with work and kids. 

And that's about it for this week. 

News Update

Another week has passed and I have moved from the shore of Lake Superior to the shore of Lake Wascana. I damaged my back last weekend, so that continues to bother me. I had three treatments from my chiropractor this week that has provided some relief, but the schedule of my trip to Regina precluded the completion of treatment, so I continue to be somewhat disabled. It is too bad, as golf courses are opening in TBay! I finally got my newly rebuilt smile, but my mouth is still adjusting to the new partial plate, so I'm not smiling so much! The markets have been troubled again, mostly by concerns about what the growth level will be in China as it is a major engine of the world economy these days. As a result, I lost value this week, but still remain up on the month. Dad has moved to Wascana for further rehabilitation, but the program there has not developed as well as we would like—maybe we need to get some more asterisks on the chart! Wendy has come down with a cold, and we hope that will be over soon. I've been following the Women's Curling championship, but Canada has lost in the playoffs so will be playing for the bronze medal tomorrow. Now I get a week off before the Men's Championship begins. This weekend, I've been watching and participating as the NDP elected a new leader, Tom Mulcair.

Eric/A and the boys had a great time in Mexico and have now returned both tired and rested! The highlight for Erica and Liam was deep sea fishing, for Eric it was horseback riding, and for Haaken it was the buffet! While they were gone, the snow left—they don't miss it, but it has revealed work that must be done in preparation for Spring.

Erin and Kristian remain in TBay taking care of things at home. Things are going well, although Erin suffered one day off due to a migraine headache. They are glad of the warm weather that lets them play in the backyard.

Trav and Joanna keep busy with work. Trav's hockey team is into the playoffs now; they won their first game 5-0, and hope to finish off that round on Sunday. He is also keeping up with the Penguins who are challenging for top spot and have their captain back playing again.

And that's about it for this week.

News Update

Another week has passed on the shore of Lake Superior in my hometown. The weather has continued to be beautiful and we're enjoying getting outside for back yard play and picnics. Wendy's dad continues to make great progress, and she has decided she can come home for a while. I have one more appointment with my denturist next week and then I plan to drive out to Regina with my new teeth. The markets have reacted favourably, and I've been able to get back to my target for halfway through the month. The TSX is finally in bull territory, and I hope it continues to move upward. I've been out walking near the golf course and imagining getting on the fairways, but they're still sloppy wet as we wait for the frost to come out. March Madness began this week; I'm enjoying my annual basketball fix. There have been bigger upsets than usual, but my final four picks are still in play. The World's Women's Curling Championship has begun, so that will attract my attention as well. We opened with a win over the US. Go Canada Go!

Eric/A and crew are holidaying in Mexico this week. They seem to be enjoying their activities there from horseback riding to deep sea fishing. 

Erin and Kristian continue to help me hold down the home fort. Kristian has been off school this week, but has enjoyed several special activities with the daycare group. Erin is busy with work, but enjoyed a picnic in the backyard with Kristian today in 20° sunshine—that's pretty special for March!

Trav & Joanna were busy with work, but with the kids away over spring break, it was a bit less active than usual. Trav rejoiced this week as Crosby returned from injury to lead the Penguins who are just flying (Can Penguins fly?) with eleven straight wins. Trav is also getting his Elks team ready for the playoffs as the first round is ending. 

And that's about it for this week.